C-sections have become a routine part of the birthing process in this country. Statistics even suggest that as many as 33% of all births involve a cesarean. Although cesareans are most common in older women, younger women still face a chance of requiring one. The cesarean procedure plays an important role in the lives of many expectant mothers.
What a Cesarean Section Involves
A cesarean or C-section occurs when a child is delivered through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus rather than a vaginal delivery. Even though many medical professionals classify this as a major procedure, some mothers still receive a cesarean while they are awake. There are three categories of c-sections that are used during the birthing process:
- Planned cesareans occur when a mother and physician select the date of birth for her child. Then on the arranged date, the mother goes to the hospital and receives the scheduled cesarean.
- Unplanned cesareans occur when the delivery process must include a cesarean due to unforeseen complications. These complications do not place the life of the mother or child in danger.
- Emergency cesareans are similar to unplanned cesareans in that they involve unforeseen complications that arise during pregnancy. These complications however, place the lives of the mother or child at risk.
Common Causes of Cesarean Injuries
Even though cesareans are critical operations, medical professionals often do not apply the level of care they should during this process. Many cesareans result in injuries. Some of the most common examples of how medical malpractice can cause cesarean injuries include:
- Anesthesia injuries. This complication occurs when the medication administered to make patients comfortable results in adverse reactions.
- Blood clots. Most commonly occur in mothers that are not carefully monitored after surgery. Blood clots, if not properly controlled can break apart and spread to other parts of a mother’s body such as the lungs or brain, causing serious and sometime devastating injury.
- Fetal lacerations. This category refers to cuts and scrapes that a child receives while being delivered via cesarean. Fetal lacerations are most commonly caused by improperly-performed cesarean procedures. In the worst circumstances, fetal lacerations cause even worse injuries like brachial plexus ruptures, cervical cord injuries, and fractures.
- Maternal surgical injuries. These complications occur when a physician accidentally cuts another organ in a mother’s body, which can lead to the mother requiring additional surgery or a fatal outcome.
I Will Hold Medical Professionals Accountable
When you hire an obstetrician, you place your trust in the doctor’s ability to safely take care of you and your child. Unfortunately, not all medical professionals live up to this standard. When medical professionals make mistakes, they can end up jeopardizing the lives of an expectant mother and child.
If you or a loved one was harmed by a cesarean-related injury, I can help you hold the responsible professional accountable. Call me today and we will review your options to pursue compensation. I’ll Make Them Pay!®.
